How to handle health information overload
Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of health information out there? You’re not alone. Dr Nic Gill shares some tips.
It seems everyone has an opinion on health these days. There’s a lot of information out there. So, how can you know who – and what – to trust? (Beyond medical professionals, of course).
The short answer is – trust yourself. Let me explain.
You are the best person to understand whether something works for you. Listen to your body.
How do you feel when you exercise in a certain way?
What kind of lifestyle makes you feel energised – or exhausted?
How does your body react when you eat certain foods?
I encourage people to experiment with different ways of eating and moving to see what works for them. Try one new thing at a time, and keep a written record.
What works for you might not work for others, and vice versa. We’re all different. Everyone is on their own journey, and it’s human nature to share and discuss new ideas.
That said, even when you are in-tune with your body, it can still be pretty overwhelming to process new health information.
Here are some further tips that might help.
1. Know your ‘why’
Processing new information is infinitely easier when you’re clear on what motivates you to stay healthy.
You’re less likely to feel confused or overwhelmed if you’ve spent a bit of time self-reflecting and understanding your motivations.
Knowing what motivates you may also help you feel calmer and more in control.
2. Ask questions
When you come across a new piece of information, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Does the information come from a trusted source?
Have there been studies to back this information up?
On a more personal level, consider whether this information feels relevant or important to you. Try to resist pressure to take on board every new idea or theory.
In contrast, also resist the urge to dismiss things quickly, as often this is a sign that deep down you might feel it’s in the “too hard” basket.
3. Experiment and evaluate
Give things a go. How do you know it doesn’t fit if you don’t first try it on?
Don’t be afraid to try new things. Set yourself a clear timeframe and take notes along the way.
Try to stick with each experiment for a certain amount of time – three weeks is ideal – so you can observe both short-term and long-term outcomes.
For example, giving up sugar in your coffee might feel hard on day one, but amazing on day five. Imagine if you’d quit the experiment on day one?
Try to enjoy the journey. How you eat and exercise, the little habits you build into your day (find out how to start habits that stick here) – it’s all about finding what makes you thrive and feel good.
To sum it up, when it comes to health information – look for trusted information, take what works for you, and leave the rest. There will always be conflicting information out there, but you don’t need to incorporate it all.
Note: Please make sure you talk to your GP before making any significant changes to your exercise or nutrition plans.
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